Resveratrol and Grape Extract-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

The piper at the gates of brain: A systematic review of surface modification strategies on lipid nanoparticles to overcome the Blood-Brain-Barrier

The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) significantly impedes drug delivery to the central nervous system. Nanotechnology, especially surface-functionalized lipid nanoparticles, offers innovative approaches to overcome this barrier. However, choosing an effective functionalization strategy is challenging due to the lack of detailed comparative analysis in current literature. Our systematic review examined various functionalization strategies and their impact on BBB permeability from 2041 identified articles, of which 80 were included for data extraction. Peptides were the most common modification (18) followed by mixed strategies (12) proteins (9), antibodies (7), and other strategies (8). Interestingly, 26 studies showed BBB penetration with unmodified or modified nanoparticles using commonly applied strategies such as PEGylation or surfactant addition. Statistical analysis across 42 studies showed correlation between higher in vivo permeation improvements and nanoparticle type, size, and functionalization category. The highest ratios were found for nanostructured lipid carriers or biomimetic systems, in studies with particle sizes under 150 nm, and in those applying mixed functionalization strategies. The interstudy heterogeneity we observed highlights the importance of adopting standardized evaluation protocols to enhance comparability. Our systematic review aims to provide a comparative insight and identify future research directions in the development of more effective lipid nanoparticle systems for drug delivery to the brain to help improve the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and brain tumours.

Hemp sprout-derived exosome-like nanovesicles as hepatoprotective agents attenuate liver fibrosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a form of hepatic steatosis in which more than 5% of the liver's weight is fat, primarily due to the overconsumption of soft drinks and a Western diet. In this study, we investigate the potential of plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PENs) to prevent liver fibrosis and leaky gut resulting from NAFLD. Specifically, we examine whether hemp sprout-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (HSNVs) grown on smart farms could exert protective effects against NAFLD by inhibiting liver fibrosis. HSNVs ranging from 100-200 nm were measured using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). HSNVs (1 mg kg-1) were orally administered for 5 weeks to mice with NAFLD induced by feeding them a Western diet (WD; a fat- and cholesterol-rich diet) and fat-, fructose-, and cholesterol-rich (FFC) diet for 8 weeks. Importantly, the administration of HSNVs markedly reduced oxidative stress and fibrosis marker proteins in NAFLD mouse models and LX2 cells. Furthermore, treatment with HSNVs prevented a significant decrease in the quantity of gut barrier proteins and endotoxin levels in NAFLD mouse models. For the first time, these results demonstrate that HSNVs can exhibit a hepatoprotective effect against gut leakiness and WD/FFC-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing fibrosis marker proteins.

Breaking Barriers in Alzheimer's Disease: the Role of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by cognitive impairment, brain plaques, and tangles, is a global health concern affecting millions. It involves the build-up of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins, the formation of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, cholinergic system dysfunction, genetic variations, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Various signaling pathways and metabolic processes are implicated in AD, along with numerous biomarkers used for diagnosis, risk assessment, and research. Despite these, there is no cure or effective treatment for AD. It is critically important to address this immediately to develop novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) capable of targeting the brain and delivering therapeutic agents to modulate the pathological processes of AD. This review summarizes AD, its pathogenesis, related signaling pathways, biomarkers, conventional treatments, the need for NDDS, and their application in AD treatment. It also covers preclinical, clinical, and ongoing trials, patents, and marketed AD formulations.

Latest Perspectives on Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: The Role of Blood-Brain Barrier and Antioxidant-Based Drug Delivery Systems

There has been a growing interest recently in exploring the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss that affects millions of people worldwide. Research has shown that the BBB plays a crucial role in regulating the entry of therapeutics into the brain. Also, the potential benefits of using antioxidant molecules for drug delivery were highlighted in Alzheimer's treatment to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce oxidative stress in affected patients. Antioxidant-based nanomedicine shows promise for treating AD by effectively crossing the BBB and targeting neuroinflammation, potentially slowing disease progression and improving cognitive function. Therefore, new drug delivery systems are being developed to overcome the BBB and improve the delivery of therapeutics to the brain, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for AD patients. In this context, the present review provides an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in AD treatment strategies, such as silica nanoparticles loaded with curcumin, selenium nanoparticles loaded with resveratrol, and many others, focusing on the critical role of the BBB and the use of antioxidant-based drug delivery systems.

Nanomaterials that Aid in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Resolving Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Ability

As a form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffers from no efficacious cure, yet AD treatment is still imperative, as it ameliorates the symptoms or prevents it from deteriorating or maintains the current status to the longest extent. The human brain is the most sensitive and complex organ in the body, which is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This yet induces the difficulty in curing AD as the drugs or nanomaterials that are much inhibited from reaching the lesion site. Thus, BBB crossing capability of drug delivery system remains a significant challenge in the development of neurological therapeutics. Fortunately, nano-enabled delivery systems possess promising potential to achieve multifunctional diagnostics/therapeutics against various targets of AD owing to their intriguing advantages of nanocarriers, including easy multifunctionalization on surfaces, high surface-to-volume ratio with large payloads, and potential ability to cross the BBB, making them capable of conquering the limitations of conventional drug candidates. This review, which focuses on the BBB crossing ability of the multifunctional nanomaterials in AD diagnosis and treatment, will provide an insightful vision that is conducive to the development of AD-related nanomaterials.

Secondary Bioactive Metabolites from Foods of Plant Origin as Theravention Agents against Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) are on the rise, robbing people of their memories and independence. While risk factors such as age and genetics play an important role, exciting studies suggest that a diet rich in foods from plant origin may offer a line of defense. These kinds of foods, namely fruits and vegetables, are packed with a plethora of powerful bioactive secondary metabolites (SBMs), including terpenoids, polyphenols, glucosinolates, phytosterols and capsaicinoids, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-Alzheimer's, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial properties, associated with preventive effects in the development of chronic diseases mediated by oxidative stress such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and NDDs. This review explores the potential of SBMs as theravention agents (metabolites with therapeutic and preventive action) against NDDs. By understanding the science behind plant-based prevention, we may be able to develop new strategies to promote brain health and prevent the rise in NDDs. The proposed review stands out by emphasizing the integration of multiple SBMs in plant-based foods and their potential in preventing NDDs. Previous research has often focused on individual compounds or specific foods, but this review aims to present a comprehensive fingerprint of how a diet rich in various SBMs can synergistically contribute to brain health. The risk factors related to NDD development and the diagnostic process, in addition to some examples of food-related products and medicinal plants that significantly reduce the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), are highlighted.

From Gut Microbiomes to Infectious Pathogens: Neurological Disease Game Changers

Gut microbiota and infectious diseases affect neurological disorders, brain development, and function. Compounds generated in the gastrointestinal system by gut microbiota and infectious pathogens may mediate gut-brain interactions, which may circulate throughout the body and spread to numerous organs, including the brain. Studies shown that gut bacteria and disease-causing organisms may pass molecular signals to the brain, affecting neurological function, neurodevelopment, and neurodegenerative diseases. This article discusses microorganism-producing metabolites with neuromodulator activity, signaling routes from microbial flora to the brain, and the potential direct effects of gut bacteria and infectious pathogens on brain cells. The review also considered the neurological aspects of infectious diseases. The infectious diseases affecting neurological functions and the disease modifications have been discussed thoroughly. Recent discoveries and unique insights in this perspective need further validation. Research on the complex molecular interactions between gut bacteria, infectious pathogens, and the CNS provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative, behavioral, and psychiatric illnesses. This study may provide insights into advanced drug discovery processes for neurological disorders by considering the influence of microbial communities inside the human body.

Development of nanomedicines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Raison d'être, strategies, challenges and regulatory aspects

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of memory. Presently, AD is challenging to treat with current drug therapy as their delivery to the brain is restricted by the presence of the blood-brain barrier. Nanomedicines, due to their size, high surface volume ratio, and ease of tailoring drug release characteristics, showed their potential to treat AD. The nanotechnology-based formulations for brain targeting are expected to enter the market in the near future. So, regulatory frameworks are required to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the nanomedicines to treat AD. In this review, we discuss different strategies, in-vitro blood-brain permeation models, in-vivo permeation assessment, and regulatory aspects for the development of nanomedicine to treat AD.

An Overview on the Physiopathology of the Blood-Brain Barrier and the Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for Central Nervous System Delivery

The state of well-being and health of our body is regulated by the fine osmotic and biochemical balance established between the cells of the different tissues, organs, and systems. Specific districts of the human body are defined, kept in the correct state of functioning, and, therefore, protected from exogenous or endogenous insults of both mechanical, physical, and biological nature by the presence of different barrier systems. In addition to the placental barrier, which even acts as a linker between two different organisms, the mother and the fetus, all human body barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-retinal barrier, blood-nerve barrier, blood-lymph barrier, and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, operate to maintain the physiological homeostasis within tissues and organs. From a pharmaceutical point of view, the most challenging is undoubtedly the BBB, since its presence notably complicates the treatment of brain disorders. BBB action can impair the delivery of chemical drugs and biopharmaceuticals into the brain, reducing their therapeutic efficacy and/or increasing their unwanted bioaccumulation in the surrounding healthy tissues. Recent nanotechnological innovation provides advanced biomaterials and ad hoc customized engineering and functionalization methods able to assist in brain-targeted drug delivery. In this context, lipid nanocarriers, including both synthetic (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanostructured lipid carriers, niosomes, proniosomes, and cubosomes) and cell-derived ones (extracellular vesicles and cell membrane-derived nanocarriers), are considered one of the most successful brain delivery systems due to their reasonable biocompatibility and ability to cross the BBB. This review aims to provide a complete and up-to-date point of view on the efficacy of the most varied lipid carriers, whether FDA-approved, involved in clinical trials, or used in in vitro or in vivo studies, for the treatment of inflammatory, cancerous, or infectious brain diseases.

Unraveling potential neuroprotective mechanisms of herbal medicine for Alzheimer's diseases through comprehensive molecular docking analyses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to be a worldwide health concern, demanding innovative therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of herbal compounds by scrutinizing their interactions with Beta-Secretase-1 (BACE1). Through comprehensive molecular docking analyses, three compounds, Masticadienonic acid (ΔG: -9.6 kcal/mol), Hederagenin (ΔG: -9.3 kcal/mol), and Anthocyanins (ΔG: -8.1 kcal/mol), emerge as promising BACE1 ligands, displaying low binding energies and strong affinities. ADME parameter predictions, drug-likeness assessments, and toxicity analyses reveal favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for these compounds. Notably, Masticadienonic Acid exhibits optimal drug-likeness (-3.3736) and negligible toxicity concerns. Hederagenin (drug-likeness: -5.3272) and Anthocyanins (drug-likeness: -6.2041) also demonstrate promising safety profiles. Furthermore, pharmacophore modeling elucidates the compounds' unique interaction landscapes within BACE1's active site. Masticadienonic acid showcases seven hydrophobic interactions and a hydrogen bond acceptor interaction with Thr232. Hederagenin exhibits a specific hydrogen bond acceptor interaction with Trp76, emphasizing its selective binding. Anthocyanins reveal a multifaceted engagement, combining hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bond interactions with key residues. In conclusion, Masticadienonic acid, Hederagenin, and Anthocyanins stand out as promising candidates for further experimental validation, presenting a synergistic balance of efficacy and safety in combating AD through BACE1 inhibition.

Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma in rodents: A narrative review

Glaucoma, an irreversible optic neuropathy, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and causes vision loss and blindness. The damage to RGCs in glaucoma occurs by various mechanisms, including elevated intraocular pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other neurodegenerative processes. As the disease progresses, the loss of RGCs leads to vision loss. Therefore, protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival are important goals in managing glaucoma. In this regard, resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic phytoalexin, exerts antioxidant effects and slows down the evolution and progression of glaucoma. The present review shows that RES plays a protective role in RGCs in cases of ischemic injury and hypoxia as well as in ErbB2 protein expression in the retina. Additionally, RES plays protective roles in RGCs by promoting cell growth, reducing apoptosis, and decreasing oxidative stress in H2O2-exposed RGCs. RES was also found to inhibit oxidative stress damage in RGCs and suppress the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. RES could alleviate retinal function impairment by suppressing the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha/vascular endothelial growth factor and p38/p53 axes while stimulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, RES might exert potential therapeutic effects for managing glaucoma by protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival.

Latest advances and clinical application prospects of resveratrol therapy for neurocognitive disorders

Neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction, are non-psychiatric brain syndromes in which a significant decline in cognitive function causes great trauma to the mental status of the patient. The lack of effective treatments for neurocognitive disorders imposes a considerable burden on society, including a substantial economic impact. Over the past few decades, the identification of resveratrol, a natural plant compound, has provided researchers with an opportunity to formulate novel strategies for the treatment of neurocognitive disorders. This is because resveratrol effectively protects the brain of those with neurocognitive disorders by targeting some mechanisms such as inflammation and oxidative stress. This article reviews the status of recent research investigating the use of resveratrol for the treatment of different neurocognitive disorders. By examining the possible mechanisms of action of resveratrol and the shared mechanisms of different neurocognitive disorders, treatments for neurocognitive disorders may be further clarified.

Multifunctional Nanocarriers for Alzheimer's Disease: Befriending the Barriers

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) have been increasing in incidence in recent years and are now widespread worldwide. Neuronal death is defined as the progressive loss of neuronal structure or function which is closely associated with NDDs and represents the intrinsic features of such disorders. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases (AD, PD, and HD, respectively) are considered neurodegenerative diseases that affect a large number of people worldwide. Despite the testing of various drugs, there is currently no available therapy that can remedy or effectively slow the progression of these diseases. Nanomedicine has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery for the management of NDDs. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has recently been developed to improve drug delivery efficiency and is currently subjected to extensive studies. Nanoengineered particles, known as nanodrugs, can cross the blood-brain barrier while also being less invasive compared to the most treatment strategies in use. Polymeric, magnetic, carbonic, and inorganic NPs are examples of NPs that have been developed to improve drug delivery efficiency. Primary research studies using NPs to cure AD are promising, but thorough research is needed to introduce these approaches to clinical use. In the present review, we discussed the role of metal-based NPs, polymeric nanogels, nanocarrier systems such as liposomes, solid lipid NPs, polymeric NPs, exosomes, quantum dots, dendrimers, polymersomes, carbon nanotubes, and nanofibers and surfactant-based systems for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we highlighted nanoformulations such as N-butyl cyanoacrylate, poly(butyl cyanoacrylate), D-penicillamine, citrate-coated peptide, magnetic iron oxide, chitosan (CS), lipoprotein, ceria, silica, metallic nanoparticles, cholinesterase inhibitors, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, metal chelators, anti-amyloid, protein, and peptide-loaded NPs for the treatment of AD.

Mechanistic insights into the potential role of dietary polyphenols and their nanoformulation in the management of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common neurodegenerative disorder associated with memory loss and a progressive decline in cognitive activity. The two major pathophysiological factors responsible for AD are amyloid plaques (comprising amyloid-beta aggregates) and neurofibrillary tangles (consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau protein). Polyphenols, a class of naturally occurring compounds, are immensely beneficial for the treatment or management of various disorders and illnesses. Naturally occurring sources of polyphenols include plants and plant-based foods, such as fruits, herbs, tea, vegetables, coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate. Polyphenols have unique properties, such as being the major source of anti-oxidants and possessing anti-aging and anti-cancerous properties. Currently, dietary polyphenols have become a potential therapeutic approach for the management of AD, depending on various research findings. Dietary polyphenols can be an effective strategy to tackle multifactorial events that occur with AD. For instance, naturally occurring polyphenols have been reported to exhibit neuroprotection by modulating the Aβ biogenesis pathway in AD. Many nanoformulations have been established to enhance the bioavailability of polyphenols, with nanonization being the most promising. This review comprehensively provides mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential of dietary polyphenols in treating AD. It also reviews the usability of dietary polyphenol as nanoformulation for AD treatment.

The application of plant-exosome-like nanovesicles as improved drug delivery systems for cancer vaccines

The use of cancer immunotherapeutics is currently increasing. Cancer vaccines, as a form of immunotherapy, are gaining much attention in the medical community since specific tumor-antigens can activate immune cells to induce an anti-tumor immune response. However, the delivery of cancer vaccines presents many issues for research scientists when designing cancer treatments and requires further investigation. Nanoparticles, synthetic liposomes, bacterial vectors, viral particles, and mammalian exosomes have delivered cancer vaccines. In contrast, the use of many of these nanotechnologies produces many issues of cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, and rapid clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Plant-exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNVs) can provide solutions for many of these challenges because they are innocuous and nonimmunogenic when delivering nanomedicines. Hence, this review will describe the potential use of PELNVs to deliver cancer vaccines. In this review, different approaches of cancer vaccine delivery will be detailed, the mechanism of oral vaccination for delivering cancer vaccines will be described, and the review will discuss the use of PELNVs as improved drug delivery systems for cancer vaccines via oral administration while also addressing the subsequent challenges for advancing their usage into the clinical setting.

Could protein phosphatase 2A and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta be targeted by natural compounds to ameliorate Alzheimer's pathologies?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory and cognitive abilities, primarily in the elderly. The burden of AD extends beyond patients, impacting families and caregivers due to the patients' reliance on assistance for daily tasks. The main features of the pathogenesis of AD are beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), that strongly correlate with oxidative stress and inflammation. NFTs result from misfolded and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Various studies have focused on tau phosphorylation, indicating protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as the primary tau phosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) as the leading tau kinase. Experimental evidence suggests that inhibition of PP2A and increased GSK-3β activity contribute to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment. Hence, targeting PP2A and GSK-3β with pharmacological approaches shows promise in treating AD. The use of natural compounds in the drug development for AD have been extensively studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinesterase, and neuroprotective properties, demonstrating therapeutic advantages in neurological diseases. Alongside the development of PP2A activator and GSK-3β inhibitor drugs, natural compounds are likely to have neuroprotective effects by increasing PP2A activity and decreasing GSK-3β levels. Therefore, based on the preclinical and clinical studies, the potential of PP2A and GSK-3β as therapeutic targets of natural compounds are highlighted in this review.

Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano-TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano-TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano-TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.

Blood-brain barrier disruption in dementia: Nano-solutions as new treatment options

Candidate drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS) demonstrate extremely low clinical success rates, with more than 98% of potential treatments being discontinued due to poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Neurological conditions were shown to be the second leading cause of death globally in 2016, with the number of people currently affected by neurological disorders increasing rapidly. This increasing trend, along with an inability to develop BBB permeating drugs, is presenting a major hurdle in the treatment of CNS-related disorders, like dementia. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand the structure and function of the BBB, including the transport of molecules across its interface in both healthy and pathological conditions. The use of CNS drug carriers is rapidly gaining popularity in CNS research due to their ability to target BBB transport systems. Further research and development of drug delivery vehicles could provide essential information that can be used to develop novel treatments for neurological conditions. This review discusses the BBB and its transport systems and evaluates the potential of using nanoparticle-based delivery systems as drug carriers for CNS disease with a focus on dementia.

Advances in functional lipid nanoparticles: from drug delivery platforms to clinical applications

Since Doxil's first clinical approval in 1995, lipid nanoparticles have garnered great interest and shown exceptional therapeutic efficacy. It is clear from the licensure of two RNA treatments and the mRNA-COVID-19 vaccination that lipid nanoparticles have immense potential for delivering nucleic acids. The review begins with a list of lipid nanoparticle types, such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles. Then it moves on to the earliest lipid nanoparticle forms, outlining how lipid is used in a variety of industries and how it is used as a versatile nanocarrier platform. Lipid nanoparticles must then be functionally modified. Various approaches have been proposed for the synthesis of lipid nanoparticles, such as High-Pressure Homogenization (HPH), microemulsion methods, solvent-based emulsification techniques, solvent injection, phase reversal, and membrane contractors. High-pressure homogenization is the most commonly used method. All of the methods listed above follow four basic steps, as depicted in the flowchart below. Out of these four steps, the process of dispersing lipids in an aqueous medium to produce liposomes is the most unpredictable step. A short outline of the characterization of lipid nanoparticles follows discussions of applications for the trapping and transporting of various small molecules. It highlights the use of rapamycin-coated lipid nanoparticles in glioblastoma and how lipid nanoparticles function as a conjugator in the delivery of anticancer-targeting nucleic acids. High biocompatibility, ease of production, scalability, non-toxicity, and tailored distribution are just a meager of the enticing allowances of using lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles. Due to the present constraints in drug delivery, more research is required to utterly realize the potential of lipid nanoparticles for possible clinical and therapeutic purposes.

Biomaterials-Based Antioxidant Strategies for the Treatment of Oxidative Stress Diseases

Oxidative stress is characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species or a decrease in antioxidants in the body. This imbalance leads to detrimental effects, including inflammation and multiple chronic diseases, ranging from impaired wound healing to highly impacting pathologies in the neural and cardiovascular systems, or the bone, amongst others. However, supplying compounds with antioxidant activity is hampered by their low bioavailability. The development of biomaterials with antioxidant capacity is poised to overcome this roadblock. Moreover, in the treatment of chronic inflammation, material-based strategies would allow the controlled and targeted release of antioxidants into the affected tissue. In this review, we revise the main causes and effects of oxidative stress, and survey antioxidant biomaterials used for the treatment of chronic wounds, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases (focusing on cardiac infarction, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis) and osteoporosis. We anticipate that these developments will lead to the emergence of new technologies for tissue engineering, control of oxidative stress and prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Surface Functionalized Lipid Nanoparticles in Promoting Therapeutic Outcomes: An Insight View of the Dynamic Drug Delivery System

Compared to the conventional approach, nanoparticles (NPs) facilitate a non-hazardous, non-toxic, non-interactive, and biocompatible system, rendering them incredibly promising for improving drug delivery to target cells. When that comes to accomplishing specific therapeutic agents like drugs, peptides, nucleotides, etc., lipidic nanoparticulate systems have emerged as even more robust. They have asserted impressive ability in bypassing physiological and cellular barriers, evading lysosomal capture and the proton sponge effect, optimizing bioavailability, and compliance, lowering doses, and boosting therapeutic efficacy. However, the lack of selectivity at the cellular level hinders its ability to accomplish its potential to the fullest. The inclusion of surface functionalization to the lipidic NPs might certainly assist them in adapting to the basic biological demands of a specific pathological condition. Several ligands, including peptides, enzymes, polymers, saccharides, antibodies, etc., can be functionalized onto the surface of lipidic NPs to achieve cellular selectivity and avoid bioactivity challenges. This review provides a comprehensive outline for functionalizing lipid-based NPs systems in prominence over target selectivity. Emphasis has been put upon the strategies for reinforcing the therapeutic performance of lipidic nano carriers' using a variety of ligands alongside instances of relevant commercial formulations.

Biomaterials-based anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease

The current therapeutic drugs for Alzheimer's disease only improve symptoms, they do not delay disease progression. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new effective drugs. The underlying pathogenic factors of Alzheimer's disease are not clear, but neuroinflammation can link various hypotheses of Alzheimer's disease; hence, targeting neuroinflammation may be a new hope for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Inhibiting inflammation can restore neuronal function, promote neuroregeneration, reduce the pathological burden of Alzheimer's disease, and improve or even reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on the relationship between inflammation and various pathological hypotheses of Alzheimer's disease; reports the mechanisms and characteristics of small-molecule drugs (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, neurosteroids, and plant extracts); macromolecule drugs (e.g., peptides, proteins, and gene therapeutics); and nanocarriers (e.g., lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and inorganic nanoparticles) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The review also makes recommendations for the prospective development of anti-inflammatory strategies based on nanocarriers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Current applications of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers as vehicles in oral delivery systems for antioxidant nutraceuticals: A review

Antioxidant nutraceuticals can be found in several dietary sources and have been utilized for various medical benefits including health promotion, disease prevention, and support for treatment of acute and/or chronic diseases. Nonetheless, there are some limitations in delivering antioxidants via oral administration such as low solubility and permeability, pH and enzyme degradation, and instability of the compounds along the gastrointestinal tract leading to low bioavailability. In order to tackle these challenges, the utilization of lipid nanoparticles has numerous advantages to the escalating delivery system of antioxidants in nutraceuticals across the gastrointestinal tract barrier. Nowadays, several types of lipid nanoparticles can be used in antioxidant nutraceutical delivery systems through the oral route, namely solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. This review article aims to provide notable information on the importance and applications of lipid nanoparticles in antioxidant delivery systems from nutraceuticals by an oral route. The mechanism in enhancing antioxidant compound transport across the gastrointestinal tract can occur by elevating loading capacity, improving chemical and physical stability, and increasing its bioavailability. To date, lipid nanoparticle vehicles have been developed to improve the delivery of antioxidant compounds to enhance bioavailability via oral routes. Lipid nanoparticles have remarkable benefits in delivering antioxidant nutraceuticals via oral administration. Hence, scale-up and commercialization of antioxidant nutraceutical-loaded lipid nanoparticles have been a potential technology in recent years. Subsequently, several vegetable and natural oils with antioxidant activity can also be utilized for nanoparticle formulation lipid components to increase nutraceuticals' antioxidant properties and bioavailability.

Novel Biomaterials Based Strategies for Neurodegeneration: Recent Advancements and Future Prospects

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, pose significant challenges for effective treatment due to the complex nature of the central nervous system and the limited delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. Biomaterial-based drug delivery systems offer promising strategies to overcome these challenges and improve therapeutic outcomes. These systems utilize various biomaterials, such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and implants, to deliver drugs, genes, or cells to the affected regions of the brain. They provide advantages such as targeted delivery, controlled release, and protection of therapeutic agents. This review examines the role of biomaterials in drug delivery for neurodegeneration, discussing different biomaterialbased approaches, including surface modification, encapsulation, and functionalization techniques. Furthermore, it explores the challenges, future perspectives, and potential impact of biomaterialbased drug delivery systems in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.

Enhancing paracellular and transcellular permeability using nanotechnological approaches for the treatment of brain and retinal diseases

Paracellular permeability across epithelial and endothelial cells is, in large part, regulated by apical intercellular junctions also referred to as tight junctions (TJs). These junctions contribute to the spatial definition of different tissue compartments within organisms, separating them from the outside world as well as from inner compartments, with their primary physiological role of maintaining tissue homeostasis. TJs restrict the free, passive diffusion of ions and hydrophilic small molecules through paracellular clefts and are important for appropriate cell polarization and transporter protein localisation, supporting the controlled transcellular diffusion of smaller and larger hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic substances. This traditional diffusion barrier concept of TJs has been challenged lately, owing to a better understanding of the components that are associated with TJs. It is now well-established that mutations in TJ proteins are associated with a range of human diseases and that a change in the membrane fluidity of neighbouring cells can open possibilities for therapeutics to cross intercellular junctions. Nanotechnological approaches, exploiting ultrasound or hyperosmotic agents and permeation enhancers, are the paradigm for achieving enhanced paracellular diffusion. The other widely used transport route of drugs is via transcellular transport, allowing the passage of a variety of pro-drugs and nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs via different mechanisms based on receptors and others. For a long time, there was an expectation that lipidic nanocarriers and polymeric nanostructures could revolutionize the field for the delivery of RNA and protein-based therapeutics across different biological barriers equipped with TJs (e.g., blood-brain barrier (BBB), retina-blood barrier (RBB), corneal TJs, etc.). However, only a limited increase in therapeutic efficiency has been reported for most systems until now. The purpose of this review is to explore the reasons behind the current failures and to examine the emergence of synthetic and cell-derived nanomaterials and nanotechnological approaches as potential game-changers in enhancing drug delivery to target locations both at and across TJs using innovative concepts. Specifically, we will focus on recent advancements in various nanotechnological strategies enabling the bypassing or temporally opening of TJs to the brain and to the retina, and discuss their advantages and limitations.

Applications and recent advances in transdermal drug delivery systems for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease predominantly based on joint lesions with an extremely high disability and deformity rate. Several drugs have been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but their use is limited by suboptimal bioavailability, serious adverse effects, and nonnegligible first-pass effects. In contrast, transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) can avoid these drawbacks and improve patient compliance, making them a promising option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of course, TDDSs also face unique challenges, as the physiological barrier of the skin makes drug delivery somewhat limited. To overcome this barrier and maximize drug delivery efficiency, TDDSs have evolved in terms of the principle of transdermal facilitation and transdermal facilitation technology, and different generations of TDDSs have been derived, which have significantly improved transdermal efficiency and even achieved individualized controlled drug delivery. In this review, we summarize the different generations of transdermal drug delivery systems, the corresponding transdermal strategies, and their applications in the treatment of RA.

Nanoparticles loaded with natural medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that disrupts cognitive function and severely affects the quality of life. Existing drugs only improve cognitive function and provide temporary relief of symptoms but do not stop or delay disease progression. Recently, natural medicines, especially Chinese herbal medicines, have gained attention in the treatment of AD due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, conventional oral dosage forms lack brain specificity and have side effects that lead to poor patient compliance. Utilizing nanomedicine is a promising approach to improve brain specificity, bioavailability, and patient compliance. This review evaluates recent advances in the treatment of AD with nanoparticles containing various natural medicines. This review highlights that nanoparticles containing natural medicines are a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. It is believed that this technology can be translated into the clinic, thereby providing opportunities for AD patients to participate in social activities.

Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles: Current Progress and Prospects

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles, ranging in size from 30-150nm, which can be derived from various types of cells. In recent years, mammalian-derived exosomes have been extensively studied and found to play a crucial role in regulating intercellular communication, thereby influencing the development and progression of numerous diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has employed plant-based remedies for thousands of years, and an increasing body of evidence suggests that plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) share similarities with mammalian-derived exosomes in terms of their structure and function. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the study of PELNs and their potential implications for human health. Specifically, we summarize the roles of PELNs in respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and other diseases. Furthermore, we have extensively investigated the potential shortcomings and challenges in current research regarding the mechanism of action, safety, administration routes, isolation and extraction methods, characterization and identification techniques, as well as drug-loading capabilities. Based on these considerations, we propose recommendations for future research directions. Overall, our review highlights the potential of PELNs as a promising area of research, with broad implications for the treatment of human diseases. We anticipate continued interest in this area and hope that our summary of recent findings will stimulate further exploration into the implications of PELNs for human health.

Polyphenols and Their Impact on the Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Development

It is well known that neurodegenerative diseases' development and progression are accelerated due to oxidative stress and inflammation, which result in impairment of mitochondrial function, cellular damage, and dysfunction of DNA repair systems. The increased consumption of antioxidants can postpone the development of these disorders and improve the quality of patients' lives who have already been diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. Prolonging life span in developed countries contributes to an increase in the incidence ratio of chronic age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD (Parkinson's disease), AD (Alzheimer's disease), or numerous forms of age-related dementias. Dietary supplementation with neuroprotective plant-derived polyphenols might be considered an important element of healthy aging. Some polyphenols improve cognition, mood, visual functions, language, and verbal memory functions. Polyphenols bioavailability differs greatly from one compound to another and is determined by solubility, degree of polymerization, conjugation, or glycosylation resulting from chemical structure. It is still unclear which polyphenols are beneficial because their potential depends on efficient transport across the BBB (blood-brain barrier), bioavailability, and stability in the CNS (central nervous system). Polyphenols improve brain functions by having a direct impact on cells and processes in the CNS. For a direct effect, polyphenolic compounds must be able to overcome the BBB and accumulate in brain tissue. In this review, the latest achievements in studies (animal models and clinical trials) on the effect of polyphenols on brain activity and function are described. The beneficial impact of plant polyphenols on the brain may be summarized by their role in increasing brain plasticity and related cognition improvement. As reversible MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, polyphenols are mood modulators and improve neuronal self-being through an increase in dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline amounts in the brain tissue. After analyzing the prohealth effects of various eating patterns, it was postulated that their beneficial effects result from synergistic interactions between individual dietary components. Polyphenols act on the brain endothelial cells and improve the BBB's integrity and reduce inflammation, thus protecting the brain from additional injury during stroke or autoimmune diseases. Polyphenolic compounds are capable of lowering blood pressure and improving cerebral blood flow. Many studies have revealed that a nutritional model based on increased consumption of antioxidants has the potential to ameliorate the cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Randomized clinical trials have also shown that the improvement of cognitive functions resulting from the consumption of foods rich in flavonoids is independent of age and health conditions. For therapeutic use, sufficient quantities of polyphenols must cross the BBB and reach the brain tissue in active form. An important issue in the direct action of polyphenols on the CNS is not only their penetration through the BBB, but also their brain metabolism and localization. The bioavailability of polyphenols is low. The most usual oral administration also conflicts with bioavailability. The main factors that limit this process and have an effect on therapeutic efficacy are: selective permeability across BBB, gastrointestinal transformations, poor absorption, rapid hepatic and colonic metabolism, and systemic elimination. Thus, phenolic compounds have inadequate bioavailability for human applications to have any beneficial effects. In recent years, new strategies have been attempted in order to exert cognitive benefits and neuroprotective effects. Converting polyphenols into nanostructures is one of the theories proposed to enhance their bioavailability. The following nanoscale delivery systems can be used to encapsulate polyphenols: nanocapsules, nanospheres, micelles, cyclodextrins, solid lipid nanoparticles, and liposomes. It results in great expectations for the wide-scale and effective use of polyphenols in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus far, only natural polyphenols have been studied as neuroprotectors. Perhaps some modification of the chemical structure of a given polyphenol may increase its neuroprotective activity and transportation through the BBB. However, numerous questions should be answered before developing neuroprotective medications based on plant polyphenols.

Posterity of nanoscience as lipid nanosystems for Alzheimer's disease regression

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of dementia that affects a vast number of people around the world, causing a great deal of misery and death. Evidence reveals a relationship between the presence of soluble Aβ peptide aggregates and the severity of dementia in Alzheimer's patients. The BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) is a key problem in Alzheimer's disease because it prevents therapeutics from reaching the desired places. To address the issue, lipid nanosystems have been employed to deliver therapeutic chemicals for anti-AD therapy in a precise and targeted manner. The applicability and clinical significance of lipid nanosystems to deliver therapeutic chemicals (Galantamine, Nicotinamide, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Curcumin, HUPA, Rapamycin, and Ibuprofen) for anti-AD therapy will be discussed in this review. Furthermore, the clinical implications of the aforementioned therapeutic compounds for anti-AD treatment have been examined. Thus, this review will pave the way for researchers to fashion therodiagnostics approaches based on nanomedicine to overcome the problems of delivering therapeutic molecules across the blood brain barrier (BBB).

Solidified saturated fats coating subunit vaccines greatly extended vaccine booster release and contributed to a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response in mice

Delayed release of vaccine coupled with a soluble vaccine acts as a primer and a booster with only a single administration, which would be very beneficial to livestock producers. We developed a subdermal pellet consisting of solid-phase pure stearic acid (SA) or palmitic acid (PA) that was used to encapsulate a small volume liquid vaccine consisting of fluorescently labeled *Ovalbumin (Cy5-*OVA) formulated with Emulsigen-D +/- Poly I:C (EMP) adjuvants. Mice were also immunized via the subcutaneous route with Cy5-*OVA-EMP (soluble liquid). The vaccine leached out of the pellet with very little dissolution of the fat itself resulting in the sustained subdermal delivery of antigens and adjuvants. Cy5-*OVA was still visible 60 days post administration in mice immunized with stearic acid-coated or palmitic acid-coated pellets. In these mice, persistently high IgG1 and IgG2a antibody titres were detected as well as significant IFNγ production at least 60 days post-injection. These responses were significantly higher than those observed after a single subcutaneous injection of the vaccine. A repeat trial with the pellets alone +/- the soluble vaccine showed comparable immune responses after surgical implantation of the pellet, suggesting that pellet alone may be sufficient. The PA-coated vaccines led to dermal inflammation in the mice that would limit usefulness of this vehicle, but this was largely absent when SA was used to coat the pellets. These data suggest that the SA-coated adjuvanted vaccine prolonged the release of the vaccine and triggered a comparable immune response to the mice that received the two liquid injections, and a single pellet vaccine should be tested as a novel immunization method for livestock.

The use of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as a delivery system of CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics for editing long non-coding RNAs in cancer colon cells

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in the United States. Colon cancer develops from the many gene mutations found in the genomes of colon cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can cause the development and progression of many cancers, including colon cancer. LncRNAs have been and could be corrected through the gene-editing technology of the clustered repeats of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells in the colon. However, many current delivery systems for transporting CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics in vivo need more safety and efficiency. CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics require a safe and effective delivery system to more directly and specifically target cancer cells present in the colon. This review will present pertinent evidence for the increased efficiency and safety of using plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as nanocarriers for delivering CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics to target colon cancer cells directly.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: An Inspiring Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are common, incurable neurological disorders with high prevalence, and lead to memory, movement, language, and intelligence impairments, threatening the lives and health of patients worldwide. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a physiological barrier between the central nervous system and peripheral blood circulation, plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the intracerebral environment by strictly regulating the transport of substances between the blood and brain. Therefore, it is difficult for therapeutic drugs to penetrate the BBB and reach the brain, and this affects their efficacy. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as drug transport carriers and are also known as nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs). These systems not only increase the stability of drugs but also facilitate the crossing of drugs through the BBB and improve their efficacy. In this article, we provided an overview of the types and administration routes of NPs, highlighted the preclinical and clinical studies of NDDSs in neurodegenerative diseases, and summarized the combined therapeutic strategies in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, the prospects and challenges of NDDSs in recent basic and clinical research were also discussed. Above all, NDDSs provide an inspiring therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The benefits of grape seed extract in neurological disorders and brain aging

Common neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, epilepsy, autism and psychiatric disorders, affect many people worldwide and threaten their lives and health by inducing movement disorders, behavioral disorders, or a combination of both. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a central role in neuronal damage and neurological diseases induction and progression. In addition, protein homeostasis (proteostasis) impairment occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases, which plays a critical role in the progression of the pathology. Grape seed contains several flavonoids and non-flavonoids and exerts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, polyphenols and flavanols can maintain cellular proteostasis. Since impaired proteostasis is closely involved in all amyloid diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, grape seeds extract can be a valuable therapeutic agent. Therefore, this review discusses the protective and therapeutic mechanisms of grape seed against neurological disorders and, in the end, links GSE to microRNAs as future therapeutic developments.

Combined Dopamine and Grape Seed Extract-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Nasal Mucosa Permeation, and Uptake by Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells

We have already formulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in which the combination of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant grape-seed-derived proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract, GSE) was supposed to be favorable for Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. In fact, GSE supply would reduce the PD-related oxidative stress in a synergic effect with DA. Herein, two different methods of DA/GSE loading were studied, namely, coadministration in the aqueous phase of DA and GSE, and the other approach consisting of a physical adsorption of GSE onto preformed DA containing SLNs. Mean diameter of DA coencapsulating GSE SLNs was 187 ± 4 nm vs. 287 ± 15 nm of GSE adsorbing DA-SLNs. TEM microphotographs evidenced low-contrast spheroidal particles, irrespective of the SLN type. Moreover, Franz diffusion cell experiments confirmed the permeation of DA from both SLNs through the porcine nasal mucosa. Furthermore, fluorescent SLNs also underwent cell-uptake studies by using flow cytometry in olfactory ensheathing cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, evidencing higher uptake when GSE was coencapsulated rather than adsorbed onto the particles.

Caffeic Acid-Loaded Liposomes Functionalized with Transferrin for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurological illness and the leading cause of dementia, characterized by amyloid β (Aβ) fibril deposits. Caffeic acid (CA) has demonstrated potential value for AD therapy due to its anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its chemical instability and limited bioavailability limit its therapeutic potential in vivo. Herein, liposomes loading CA were produced by distinct techniques. Taking advantage of the overexpression of transferrin (Tf) receptors in brain endothelial cells, Tf was conjugated to the liposomes' surface to direct the CA-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The optimized Tf-modified NPs exhibited a mean size of around 140 nm, a polydispersity index lower than 0.2, and a neutral surface charge, being appropriate for drug delivery. The Tf-functionalized liposomes showed suitable encapsulation efficiency and physical stability for at least 2 months. Furthermore, in simulated physiological settings, the NPs ensured the sustained release of CA for 8 days. The anti-amyloidogenic efficacy of the optimized drug delivery system (DDS) was investigated. The data show that CA-loaded Tf-functionalized liposomes are capable of preventing Aβ aggregation and fibril formation, and disaggregating mature fibrils. Hence, the proposed brain-targeted DDS may be a potential strategy for preventing and treating AD. Future studies in animal models of AD will be valuable to validate the therapeutic efficacy of the optimized nanosystem.

Intranasal Polymeric and Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for CNS Drug Delivery

Nanomedicine is currently focused on the design and development of nanocarriers that enhance drug delivery to the brain to address unmet clinical needs for treating neuropsychiatric disorders and neurological diseases. Polymer and lipid-based drug carriers are advantageous for delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) due to their safety profiles, drug-loading capacity, and controlled-release properties. Polymer and lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) are reported to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and have been extensively assessed in in vitro and animal models of glioblastoma, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disease. Since approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of intranasal esketamine for treatment of major depressive disorder, intranasal administration has emerged as an attractive route to bypass the BBB for drug delivery to the CNS. NPs can be specifically designed for intranasal administration by tailoring their size and coating with mucoadhesive agents or other moieties that promote transport across the nasal mucosa. In this review, unique characteristics of polymeric and lipid-based nanocarriers desirable for drug delivery to the brain are explored in addition to their potential for drug repurposing for the treatment of CNS disorders. Progress in intranasal drug delivery using polymeric and lipid-based nanostructures for the development of treatments of various neurological diseases are also described.

Modulating Inflammation-Mediated Diseases via Natural Phenolic Compounds Loaded in Nanocarrier Systems

The global increase and prevalence of inflammatory-mediated diseases have been a great menace to human welfare. Several works have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potentials of natural polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoid derivatives (EGCG, rutin, apigenin, naringenin) and phenolic acids (GA, CA, etc.), among others (resveratrol, curcumin, etc.). In order to improve the stability and bioavailability of these natural polyphenolic compounds, their recent loading applications in both organic (liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, etc.) and inorganic (mesoporous silica, heavy metals, etc.) nanocarrier technologies are being employed. A great number of studies have highlighted that, apart from improving their stability and bioavailability, nanocarrier systems also enhance their target delivery, while reducing drug toxicity and adverse effects. This review article, therefore, covers the recent advances in the drug delivery of anti-inflammatory agents loaded with natural polyphenolics by the application of both organic and inorganic nanocarriers. Even though nanocarrier technology offers a variety of possible anti-inflammatory advantages to naturally occurring polyphenols, the complexes' inherent properties and mechanisms of action have not yet been fully investigated. Thus, expanding the quest on novel natural polyphenolic-loaded delivery systems, together with the optimization of complexes' activity toward inflammation, will be a new direction of future efforts.

Chitosan nanoparticle loaded by epidermal growth factor as a potential protein carrier for wound healing: In vitro and in vivo studies

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) can be efficiently used in wound healing process; but the main obstacle of its clinical use is its susceptibility to proteolysis and maintaining its effective concentration in the site of action. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles containing EGF is formulated using a simple method to increase its stability in physiological pH as well as protect its biological activity and effectiveness in wound healing process. Nanoparticles with different ratios of chitosan/EGF were prepared and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Obtained results showed nanoparticles with 2:1 ratio of chitosan/EGF were able to release 80% of encapsulated protein after 12 h. Cell proliferation study demonstrated that prepared nanoparticles could protect EGF functionality in physiological pH. In vivo results showed that nanoparticles with 2:1 ratio of chitosan/EGF could significantly accelerate the wound closure-rate, re-epithelialisation and collagen deposition. In conclusion, the designed nanoparticles in optimal ratio can be considered as a potential vehicle for EGF delivery to wounds with the aim of improving healing process.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: Their potential as drug delivery carriers and nanoscavengers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Worldwide, populations face significant burdens from neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), especially Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although there are many proposed etiologies for neurodegenerative disorders, including genetic and environmental factors, the exact pathogenesis for these disorders is not fully understood. Most patients with NDDs are given lifelong treatment to improve their quality of life. There are myriad treatments for NDDs; however, these agents are limited by their side effects and difficulty in passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Furthermore, the central nervous system (CNS) active pharmaceuticals could offer symptomatic relief for the patient's condition without providing a complete cure or prevention by targeting the disease's cause. Recently, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have gained interest in treating NDDs since their physicochemical properties and inherent ability to pass BBB make them possible drug carriers for several drugs for NDDs treatment. This paper provides insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of NDDs, along with the recent advances in applying MSNs as fibril scavengers. Moreover, the application of MSNs-based formulations in enhancing or sustaining drug release rate, and brain targeting via their responsive release properties, besides the neurotoxicity of MSNs, have been reviewed.

Parenteral Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for CNS Disorders: Integrating Various Facets of Preclinical Evaluation towards More Effective Clinical Translation

Contemporary trends in combinatorial chemistry and the design of pharmaceuticals targeting brain disorders have favored the development of drug candidates with increased lipophilicity and poorer water solubility, with the expected improvement in delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The growing availability of innovative excipients/ligands allowing improved brain targeting and controlled drug release makes the lipid nanocarriers a reasonable choice to overcome the factors impeding drug delivery through the BBB. However, a wide variety of methods, study designs and experimental conditions utilized in the literature hinder their systematic comparison, and thus slows the advances in brain-targeting by lipid-based nanoparticles. This review provides an overview of the methods most commonly utilized during the preclinical testing of liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers intended for the treatment of various CNS disorders via the parenteral route. In order to fully elucidate the structure, stability, safety profiles, biodistribution, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and immunological effects of such lipid-based nanoparticles, a transdisciplinary approach to preclinical characterization is mandatory, covering a comprehensive set of physical, chemical, in vitro and in vivo biological testing.

Development and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for the Clearance of Aβ in Alzheimer's Disease

Aggregation of Amyloid-β (Aβ) leads to the formation and deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques which is the main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The bioavailability of the drugs and their capability to cross the BBB plays a crucial role in the therapeutics of AD. The present study evaluates the Memantine Hydrochloride (MeHCl) and Tramiprosate (TMPS) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the clearance of Aβ on SHSY5Y cells in rat hippocampus. Molecular docking and in vitro Aβ fibrillation were used to ensure the binding of drugs to Aβ. The in vitro cell viability study showed that the M + T SLNs showed enhanced neuroprotection against SHSY5Y cells than the pure drugs (M + T PD) in presence of Aβ (80.35µM ± 0.455 µM) at a 3:1 molar ratio. The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the SLNs and the optimized M + T SLNs were further characterized by %drug entrapment efficiency (99.24 ± 3.24 of MeHCl and 89.99 ± 0.95 of TMPS), particle size (159.9 ± 0.569 nm), PDI (0.149 ± 0.08), Zeta potential (-6.4 ± 0.948 mV), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and in vitro drug release. The TEM & AFM analysis showed irregularly spherical morphology. In vitro release of SLNs was noted up to 48 h; whereas the pure drugs released completely within 3 hrs. M + T SLNs revealed an improved pharmacokinetic profile and a 4-fold increase in drug concentration in the brain when compared to the pure drug. Behavioral tests showed enhanced spatial memory and histological studies confirmed reduced Aβ plaques in rat hippocampus. Furthermore, the levels of Aβ decreased in AlCl₃-induced AD. Thus, all these noted results established that the M + T SLNs provide enhanced neuroprotective effects when compared to pure and individual drugs and can be a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of AD.

Quantitative Targeted Absolute Proteomics for Better Characterization of an In Vitro Human Blood-Brain Barrier Model Derived from Hematopoietic Stem Cells

We previously developed an in vitro model of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) based on the use of endothelial cells derived from CD34⁺-hematopoietic stem cells and cultured with brain pericytes. The purpose of the present study was to provide information on the protein expression levels of the transporters, receptors, tight junction/adherence junction molecules, and transporter-associated molecules of human brain-like endothelial cells (hBLECs). The absolute protein expression levels were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based quantitative targeted absolute proteomics and compared with those from human brain microvessels (hBMVs). The protein levels of CD144, CD147, MRP4, Annexin A6 and caveolin-1 showed more than 3-fold abundance in hBLECs, those of MCT1, Connexin 43, TfR1, and claudin-5 showed less than 3-fold differences, and the protein levels of other drug efflux transporters and nutrient transporters were less represented in hBLECs than in hBMVs. It is noteworthy that BCRP was more expressed than MDR1 in hBLECs, as this was the case for hBMVs. These results suggest that transports mediated by MCT1, TfR1, and claudin-5-related tight junction function reflect the in vivo BBB situation. The present study provided a better characterization of hBLECs and clarified the equivalence of the transport characteristics between in vitro BBB models and in vivo BBB models using LC-MS/MS-based protein quantification.

Recent developments in plant-derived edible nanoparticles as therapeutic nanomedicines

The use of nanotechnology in the treatment of numerous disorders has proven effective. The predicted development of plant-derived edible nanoparticles (PDNPs) as potential therapeutic agents for treating illness or in the delivery of drugs is inevitable. PDNPs generated from plants resemble mammal-extracted exosomes structurally. In contrast to their excellent biocompatibility with healthy cells, PDNPs are skewed toward malignancies by selectively targeting those cells via unique endocytic pathways. They can be generated in large quantities, are nontoxic, and have tissue-specific targeting abilities. Thus, with fewer off-target effects, using these PDNPs could broaden the breadth of pharmacological therapy. In this discussion, we emphasize the properties and biological activities of PDNPs isolated from fruits and vegetables and discuss the promising implications of these particles as nanomedicines. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: PDNPs have reportedly been employed for therapeutic applications for several ailments and are believed to have characteristics in common with exosomes generated from mammals. The advantages of PDNPs over mammalian-derived exosomes are numerous. Firstly, they may be produced on a commercial scale using a variety of efficient renewable sources. Secondly, the PDNPs' natural components developed in plant cells promise improved cytocompatibility, tolerability, low cytotoxicity, or other adverse effects. We evaluated some current studies on the applications and potential of PDNPs in this article. PDNPs could create new opportunities for drug discovery because of recent advancements in medicine and drug delivery system nanotechnology. Unfortunately, the precise mechanisms behind PDNP's functions and interaction in pathogenic processes have not yet been completely elucidated; as a result, the potential consequences of their clinical use are uncertain. Overall, PDNPs show a wide range of therapeutic possibilities that may be advantageous to patients and might eventually make up the next generation of pharmaceuticals.

The Link between Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease: Therapeutic Implications and Future Perspectives

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, has increasing incidence, increasing mortality rates, and poses a huge burden on healthcare. None of the currently approved drugs for the treatment of AD influence disease progression. Many clinical trials aiming at inhibiting amyloid plaque formation, increasing amyloid beta clearance, or inhibiting neurofibrillary tangle pathology yielded inconclusive results or failed. Meanwhile, research has identified many interlinked vicious cascades implicating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic neuroinflammation, and has pointed to novel therapeutic targets such as improving mitochondrial bioenergetics and quality control, diminishing oxidative stress, or modulating the neuroinflammatory pathways. Many novel molecules tested in vitro or in animal models have proven efficient, but their translation into clinic needs further research regarding appropriate doses, delivery routes, and possible side effects. Cell-based therapies and extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery of messenger RNAs and microRNAs seem also promising strategies allowing to target specific signaling pathways, but need further research regarding the most appropriate harvesting and culture methods as well as control of the possible tumorigenic side effects. The rapidly developing area of nanotechnology could improve drug delivery and also be used in early diagnosis.

Transferrin-functionalized liposomes loaded with vitamin VB12 for Alzheimer's disease therapy

Despite the efforts of the pharmaceutical and research sectors, Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains incurable, imposing the demand for new effective strategies. Vitamin B12 (VB12) has aroused interest due to its in vitro anti-amyloidogenic properties. However, the high molecular weight and hydrophilicity of VB12 are the main obstacles to its clinical application by hindering its passage through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In recent years, drug delivery systems (DDSs) capable of transporting molecules across the BBB have gained attention for their effective brain delivery. In this work, VB12-loaded liposomes functionalized with transferrin (Tf) were produced, envisaging the dual-targeting of VB12 to the BBB and neuronal cells, due to the overexpression of Tf receptors in these cells. The produced liposomes presented sizes smaller than 200 nm, with low polydispersity and neutral zeta potential, being suitable for brain delivery. The nanoparticles exhibited an adequate encapsulation efficiency, a sustained release of VB12 for 9 days, and physical stability at storage conditions for up to 2 months. The developed nanosystem was capable of delaying the formation of Aβ fibrils and disrupting mature fibrils, highlighting its great potential for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Transferrin-Functionalized Liposomes for the Delivery of Gallic Acid: A Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease

Senile plaques composed of amyloid β (Aβ) fibrils are considered the leading cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Molecules with the ability to inhibit Aβ aggregation and/or promote Aβ clearance are thus a promising approach for AD therapy. Our group recently demonstrated that gallic acid (GA) has strong anti-amyloidogenic properties. In this study, stealth liposomes were prepared for the delivery of GA for AD therapy. The liposomes were functionalized with transferrin (Tf) to direct them to the brain, since Tf receptors are overexpressed in the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. GA-loaded Tf-functionalized liposomes showed mean diameters of 130 nm, low polydispersity index values, and neutral zeta potential. Moreover, the produced nanocarriers promoted the sustained release of GA over 5 days and are physically stable for 1 month under storage conditions. Furthermore, GA-loaded Tf-functionalized liposomes showed a strong ability to interact with Aβ1-42 monomers, slowing down the Aβ monomer-to-oligomer and oligomer-to-fibril transitions and decreasing the number of fibrils formed by 56%. In addition, the NPs disaggregated approximately 30% of preformed Aβ fibrils. The presented results suggest that Tf-functionalized liposomes could be a viable platform for the brain delivery of GA for AD therapy. Studies with animal models of AD will be valuable for validating the therapeutic efficacy of this novel liposomal formulation.